Non-slipping bunk bed mattress assembly



June 9, 1964 E. o. HALLER NoN-SLIPPING SUNK BED MATTRESS ASSEMBLY Filed July 3l. 1961 INVENTOR 5 0 L ff? United States Patent O 3,135,971 NON-SLIPPING BUNK BED MATTRESS ASSEMBLY Ernest 0. Haller, 3608 N. Linda, lilahoma City, Okla. Filed .luly 31, 1961, Ser No. 127,955 6 Claims. (Cl. 5 9) This invention relates generally to improvements in bunk beds and mattresses therefor, and more particularly, to a non-slipping mattress assembly for bunk beds.

Most present-day bunk beds have angle iron siderails secured at their opposite ends to the legs of the bunk bed to receive and support a mattress foundation, whereby the bunk bed mattress will be adequately supported along its entire length and width. However, the upstanding anges of the siderails are not sumciently high to prevent sidewise slippage of the mattress. The usual guard rails at the opposite sides of a bunk bed used to prevent the sleeper from rolling out of the bed are normally positioned above the level of the mattress and also do not prevent sidewise movement or slippage `of the mattress. Therefore, the mattress is frequently shifted sidewise while being slept on or when the bed is being made, which causes discomfort for the person using the bed and materially shortens the service life of the mattress.

The most popular mattress foundation construction comprises a combination of wooden slats and heavy cardboard backing, with a fabric covering matching the fabric covering of the mattress to be used with the foundation. The miatilress slides fairly easily on the foundation. Therefore, some manufacturers follow the practice of sewing the foundation covering to the bottom of the mattress covering in a rectangular pattern, with the stitches being spaced a short distance, such as about one foot, inwardly from the edges of the mattress. The mattress and foundation then become a unitary structure and the mattress will not slip on the foundation. However, the mattress cannot, with this construction, be turned. As a result, the service life of the mattress is substantially reduced. In other words, a mattress which can be turned every month or so has about twice the service life of a mattress which is not or cannot be turned.

The present invention contemplates a foundation construction which will remain in position on the siderails of a bunk bed, along with straps connected to the foundation and secured to the handles of the mattress by simplyoperated fasteners. The straps are extended between the top of the foundation and the bottom o-f the mattress in order that the edges of the mattress can be raised to tuck in sheets and other bed coverings, and the straps may be easily disconnected from the mattress handles when it is desired to turn the mattress. Thus, a standard mattress construction can be used; the mattress will be effectively prevented from slipping off of the foundation, and the mattress may be turned whenever desired.

An important object of this invention is to increase the safety and comfort of bunk beds.

Another object of this invention is to effectively prevent slipping of a bunk bed mattress, and yet allow turning of the mattress whenever desired.

A further object of this invention is to secure a mattress of standard construction on a bunk bed mattress foundation and yet allow the edges of the mattress to be raised when the bed is to be made up.

Another object of this invention is to provide the maximum service life for bunk bed mattresses.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a bunk bed mattress assembly which is simple in construction, may be economically manufactured and which may be easily used.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description, when ACC read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate my invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. l is a perspective View of a mattress foundation constructed in accordance with this invention.

, FIG. 2 is a side elevational View of a mattress and foundation assembly.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view through a typical bunk bed, with the mattress and foundation assembly being shown in elevation to more clearly illustrate the invention.

FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional View through one side edge of a mattress foundation and a bunk bed siderail illustrating use of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of one end of a mattress illustrating a modified connection of a strap to a handle of the mattress.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view through a modified mattress foundation constructed in accordance with this invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and particularly FIGS. l and 2, reference character 1t) generally designates a bunk bed mattress assembly comprising a mattress foundation 12 and a mattress 14 resting on top of the foundation. The mattress 14 may be of standard construction with two sets of handles 16 and 18 provided on opposite sides of the mattress. For simplicity of illustration, the handles 16 and 18 on only one side of the mattress are shown, it being understood that the handles 16 on the opposite sides of the mattress are in the same vertical plane, and the handles 18 on the opposite sides of the mattress are in the same vertical plane. In other words, the handles on each side of the mattress are in alignment with the corresponding handles on the other side of the mattress. It may also be noted that, in FIG. 2, I have shown the handles 16 and 18 as being extended vertically, although horizontally extending handles may also be used, as will be described below.

The mattress foundation 12 has substantially the same length and width as the mattress 14 to effectively support the entire mattress and provide a neat appearance when the mattress" is supported on the foundation. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the foundation 12 comprises a series of wooden slats 20, such as three, extending lengthwise along the foundation, and transversely extending wooden slats 22 suitably secured across the tops of the slats 20. A sheet 24 of relatively strong material, such as corrugated cardboard is suitably secured over the tops of the slats 22 and has a length Iand a width substantially corresponding to the lengthand width of the mattress 14 to prevent the mattress from being deformed between the slats 22. A suitable fabric covering 26 extends over the top of the cardboard sheet 24 and is lapped downwardly at the sides and ends of the foundation underneath the slats 2li and 22 to provide a neat appearance for the foundation. The details of construction of a typical side of the foundation 12 are best illustrated in the enlarged drawing of FIG. 4 which clearly shows the fabric covering Z6 extending down the respective side of the foundation and underneath the adjacent slat 20.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention (FIG. 1), a pair of straps 28 and 30 are extended across the top of the foundation 12 and secured to the central portion of the fabric covering 26 by suitable stitching 32 to securely attach the straps to the foundation. Each of the straps 28 and 30 is of a length to extend outwardly beyond the opposite side edges 34 and 36 of the foundation 12, and the straps are positioned in alignment with the corresponding mattress handles 16 and 18 when the mattress is placed on the foundation. In other Words, the strap 28 is in vertical alignment with the handles 18 of the mattress,

and the strap 30 is in the same vertical plane as the handles L 16 of the mattress when the mattress is positioned square- 1y on the foundation as illustrated in FIG. 2.

When the mattress handles are positioned vertically as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the male half 38a of a snap fastener is provided at the outer end of each of the straps 28 and 30 and the female half 38h of the snap fastener is secured to each of the mattress handles 16 and 13.` With the mattress positioned on the foundation, the male and female portions of the snap fasteners 38 can be easily engaged and separated. When the snap fasteners are attached, the mattress 14 will be effectively secured to the foundation 12 through the medium of the straps 28 and 30.

When the mattress handles are extended horizontally, as illustrated by reference character 40 in FIG. 5, both portions of a snap fastener 38 are secured in spaced relation to the outer end portion of each of the straps 28 and 30. With this arrangement, the outer end portion of each strap 28 and 30 is merely looped through the respective handle 40 and the portions of the respective snap fastener 38 are engaged to attach the mattress 14 to the foundation 12.

If desired, the straps 28 and 30 may be attached to the bottom of the foundation 12 as illustrated in FIG. 6. In this event, the straps will be threaded through mating slots 42 and 44 provided in the fabric cover 26 and cardboard sheet 24 on opposite sides of the center of the foundation in order that the straps 28 and 30 will extend outwardly beyond the edges of the foundation 12 between the mattress and the foundation. This latter construction provides increased strength, but is slightly more diiiicult to manufacture than the construction illustrated in FIG. 1 and previously described.

The mattress assembly is especially designed for use with a bunk bed as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. A typical bunk bed has angle iron siderails 46 supported by the legs 48 of the bed, as well as guard rails 50 parallel with the siderails 46. It will be observed in FIG. 3, however, that the guard rails 50 are spaced above a mattress assembly 10 supported by the siderails 46, such that the guard rails 50 merely protect the sleeper from rolling out of the bunk and perform no service with respect to retaining the mattress 14 in the desired position.

As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 4, each side edge of the foundation 12, such as the side edge 36, rests on the horizontal flange 52 of the respective siderail 46 and against the upstanding ange 54 of the siderail. It will also be noted that the height of the foundation 12 is substantially equal to the height of the upstanding flange 54 of each siderail 46, such that the upstanding anges 54 effectively prevent sidewise movement of the foundation. However, the upstanding anges 54 of the siderails do not eX- tend upwardly far enough to prevent sidewise slippage of the mattress 14.

In preparing the mattress assembly for use, the foundation 12 is first placed on the siderails 46 and the straps 28 and are extended outwardly beyond the sides 34 and 36 of the foundation. The mattress 14 is then placed on top of the foundation 12 with the sides of the mattress and foundation being substantially even. When the mattress 14 has vertical handles 16 and 18, the portions of the snap fasteners on the ends of the straps 28 and 30 are merely secured to the portions of the snap fasteners on the mattress handles. In the event the mattress 14 has horizontal handles as illustrated in FIG. 5, the ends of the straps 2S and 30 are merely looped through these handles and then the snap fasteners 38 secured.

With the mattress 14 secured on the foundation 12 as described above, a sheet can be placed on top of the mattress 14 and the edges of the mattress 14 raised for tucking the sheet between the mattress and the foundation. Other coverings may be tucked in in the same manner to provide a neat appearing bed. The foundation 12 will provide adequate support for the entire area of the mattress 14 and the straps 28 and 30 will prevent any sidewise movement of the mattress, either when the mattress is in use or when the bunk is being made up.

When it is desired to turn the mattress 14, the snap fasteners 38 are merely disconnected and then reconnected after the mattress is turned.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the pres ent invention provides a safe and attractive bunk bed construction. A standard mattress construction is utilized and yet the mattress will be firmly held on the mattress foundation to prevent slippage of the mattress. Thus, the invention will provide comfort for a person using the bunk bed, as well as safety. The edges of the mattress may be raised for tucking in sheets and other coverings, and the mattress may be turned in an easy and convenient manner whenever desired. It will further be apparent that the present bunk bed mattress assembly is simple in construction and may be economically manufactured.

Changes may be made in the combination or arrangement of parts or elements as heretofore set forth in this specification and shown in the drawings, it being understood that changes may be made in the embodiments disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. In combination with a bunk bed having siderails, each of said siderails having an upstanding flange and a horizontal flange, a non-slipping mattress assembly, cornprising a rectangular mattress foundation having its side edges resting on the horizontal flanges of said siderails to provide a firm support across the bed, the height of the foundation being substantially equal to the height of said siderail upstanding flanges whereby the foundation is prevented from slipping sidewise off of said siderails, a mattress resting on top of the foundation having a length and width substantially corresponding to the length and width of the foundation, aligned handles on opposite sides of the mattress, at least one strap secured to the central portion of the foundation in alignment with the handles on the mattress and extending between the mattress and foundation to protrude beyond the opposite sides of the foundation, and fastener means on the outer ends of the strap for attaching the strap to the mattress handles whereby the edges of the mattress may be raised and the mattress may be turned, yet the mattress will be held on the foundation.

2. The combination defined in claim l characterized further to include a second set of handles on the opposite sides of the mattress, a second strap secured to the central portion of the foundation in alignment with the second set of handles on the mattress, said second strap protruding beyond the sides of the foundation, and fastener means on the opposite ends of the second strap for attaching the second strap to the second set of handles.

3. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said mattress handles extend horizontally, and said fastener means comprises male and female snap fastener portions secured in spaced relation on each end portion of the strap, each end portion of the strap being looped through the respective mattress handle and the respective male and female snap portions engaged.

4. The combination defined in claim l wherein said mattress handles extend vertically, said fastener means comprises a male snap fastener portion secured to each end portion of the strap, and characterized further to include a female snap fastener portion secured to each mattress handle to mate with the respective male snap fastener portion on the strap.

5. The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said foundation has an upper face and a lower face and comprises a frame of slats, a cardboard sheet secured on top of the frame, and a fabric covering secured over the cardrl e3 board sheet and the edges of the frame, said strap being secured to said fabric covering at the central portion of the foundation and extended outwardly between the foundation and mattress. f

6. The combination dened in claim 1 wherein said foundation has an upper face and a lower face and comprises a frame of slats, a cardboard sheet secured on top of the frame, and a fabric covering secured over the cardboard sheet and the edges of the frame, said cardboard sheet and fabric covering having mating slots therein on opposite sides of the center of the foundation, said strap being secured to the lower face of the foundation and extended through said slots and outwardly between the foundation and mattress.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Blocksom Aug. 10, Miller Oct. 27, Dinstuhl Dec. 31, Drexler et al. June 7, Pribil Feb. 1, Rex July 24, Anderson Oct. 9, Moynihan May 11, Mitchell et a1 May 19, Nowels Mar. 29, Winikoi July 18,

FOREIGN PATENTS Canada Feb. 18, 

1. IN COMBINATION WITH A BUNK BED HAVING SIDERAILS, EACH OF SAID SIDERAILS HAVING AN UPSTANDING FLANGE AND A HORIZONTAL FLANGE, A NON-SLIPPING MATTRESS ASSEMBLY, COMPRISING A RECTANGULAR MATTRESS FOUNDATION HAVING ITS SIDE EDGES RESTING ON THE HORIZONTAL FLANGES OF SAID SIDERAILS TO PROVIDE A FIRM SUPPORT ACROSS THE BED, THE HEIGHT OF THE FOUNDATION BEING SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL TO THE HEIGHT OF SAID SIDERAIL UPSTANDING FLANGES WHEREBY THE FOUNDATION IS PREVENTED FROM SLIPPING SIDEWISE OFF OF SAID SIDERAILS, A MATTRESS RESTING ON TOP OF THE FOUNDATION HAVING A LENGTH AND WIDTH SUBSTANTIALLY CORRESPONDING TO THE LENGTH AND WIDTH OF THE FOUNDATION, ALIGNED HANDLES ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE MATTRESS, AT LEAST ONE STRAP SECURED TO THE CENTRAL PORTION OF THE FOUNDATION IN ALIGNMENT WITH 